Multi-Purpose Vacuum Cleaners

Why do I need a multi-purpose vacuum cleaner?

As their name suggest, the most notable advantage of multifunctional vacuum cleaners is that they support both dry and wet vacuum cleaning. In addition, some types can also shampoo or deep clean carpets, upholstery or mattresses.

• A multi-purpose vacuum cleaner can easily handle spilled wine on the sofa and other deeply embedded stains on any surface.
• These vacuum cleaners easily vacuum human and animal hair, making them ideal for households with fluffy pets.
• Multi-purpose vacuum cleaners also serve as a pump that you can use to inflate an inflatable boat or an air bed.
• A multi-purpose vacuum cleaner is suitable not only for routine tidying, but also for thorough seasonal cleaning.

Choose your multi-purpose vacuum cleaner based on suction power and input — understanding vacuum cleaner specifications

These two parameters may seem similar at first glance, but the difference between them is fundamental.

Multi-purpose vacuum cleaner with high suction power

Suction power depends on several parameters. It gives you a general idea of how strong the vacuum is.

• Suction power is one of the most important parameters for a vacuum cleaner.
• Suction power can be influenced by the type of flooring, the general construction of the appliance, and nozzle or brush type.
• The energy label will tell you what suction power efficiency you should expect. It is marked from A to G, with A being the best.

Choose a multipurpose vacuum cleaner with low power consumption

The vacuum cleaner wattage tells you little about its cleaning power or efficiency. It only determines its power consumption.

• Since nobody likes to pay more for no reason, make sure to purchase a vacuum cleaner with the lowest power consumption possible to reduce your energy bill.
• A vacuum cleaner with low power consumption can have very high cleaning performance on all types of floorings.
• A multipurpose vacuum cleaner can have a wattage of up to 2000W.

For more detailed information, read our article on suction power and power consumption.

Making sense of multipurpose vacuum cleaner filters

Good filtration has a significant effect on your vacuum cleaner’s efficiency and service life. Make sure to keep the filter clean and well-maintained if you want to achieve best vacuum cleaning efficiency.

• Microfilters capture microparticles and allergens. This makes them very popular and widespread.
• HEPA and EPA filters are popular and very effective types of filtration that capture even the finest dust, pollen and other microparticles. If you have any allergy sufferers at home, choose these filters.
• Water filtration humidifies the air to some extent when cleaning, but its efficiency can’t match HEPA filters.
• Washable filters just need a good wash after you are done vacuuming. These are usually long-lasting, washable HEPA filters.

Dust bag or container volume

The volume of a multi-purpose vacuum cleaner, i.e. the dust bag or container, should depend on the size of the vacuumed area and how dirty it is.

• A dust container with a volume of 2l or less can generally cover an area under 50 m2.
• 3–4l is suitable for spaces of 50 to 150 m2.
• 4l and larger are made for cleaning spaces over 150 m2 in size.

Multipurpose vacuum cleaner accessories

Accessories are an important factor when choosing a vacuum cleaner, though you also buy your preferred accessories additionally. You will most often find the following attachments:

• Crevice nozzles are designed for cleaning hard-to-reach and narrow spaces.
• A turbo brush is perfect for cleaning even deeply embedded dirt and animal and human hair.
• A pump attachment coupled with inverted vacuum cleaner operation allows you to use your cleaner as a pump and easily inflate air beds or inflatable boats. You can also use it as a leaf blower in the garden.
• A hard floor attachment is suitable for vacuuming linoleum, parquet flooring and tiles without scratches or chipped paint.
• Window cleaning accessories allow you to use your vacuum cleaner to easily clean and polish the glass panes without leaving unsightly smudges.

Another important factor for a multi-purpose vacuum cleaner is noise. If you prefer a quieter appliance, get a vacuum cleaner with a maximum noise level of up to 70 dB, which corresponds to the noise of a TV.